](http://www.safetyauthority.ca/)
April 20, 2009 10:00 ETBC SafetyAuthority Warns Against Radiant Ceiling Heating Panels
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire - April 20, 2009) –
The BC Safety Authority (BCSA) is advising home and building owners whomay be using radiant ceiling heating panels installed prior to 1995 to
discontinue using these panels asthey are unapproved for use in Canada.

The warning is being issued after a recent house fire in Windermere, BC whereit was determined that an Aztec-Flexel
(sometimes referred to asThermaflex Scotland) heating panel was involved in the incident.

In 1993 and 1994, British Columbia issued disconnect orders for the following:

All Aztec-Flexel panels rated 22 watts per square foot

All Thermaflex panels rated 22 watts per square foot

All Flexwatt panels type R17C20H240 rated 20 watts per panel section

A ban on all new installations of radiant ceiling heating panels over 18 wattsper square foot was also issued.

The ban and disconnect orders were triggered by a number of incidents acrossCanada in which the above listed panels were involved.

Radiant ceiling heating panels are electrical heating elements that are stapledto ceilings before gyproc or any lightweight ceiling tile is installed.
Heat generated radiates to the walls and the room below.

“The BC Safety Authority is concerned that homeowners may still be usingthese ceiling heating panels.
Any panels covered by the 1993 and 1994 disconnect orders are notsafe,” said Stephen Hinde, electrical safety manager of the BCSA.

“If you suspect your heating panel falls into this group, stop using itimmediately and hire a licensed contractor to inspect it.
If it is confirmed as one of these, it must be disconnected from itspower source,” said Hinde.

A list of licensed electrical contractors can be accessed on the BCSA websiteat www.safetyauthority.ca](http://www.safetyauthority.ca/)by clicking on the homeowners tab.

The BC Safety Authority is an independent, self-funded organization thatinspires safety excellence in British Columbia by partnering with business,
industry and the general publicto enhance the safety of technical systems, products, equipment and work.Contact Information